County conventions: Local Dems will either innovate or wait it out

From what Michelle Smith and Thad Nearmyer could remember, the county conventions of both major political parties were held on the same weekend. This year, for whatever reason, they were not.

As a result, the Jasper County Republican Party — which is chaired by Nearmyer — was able to designate its delegates for the upcoming district and state conventions, agree upon their updated platform and also showcased returning elected officials and new candidates.

Members of the Jasper County Democratic Party would have done the same thing this weekend, but the growing concerns of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the state party leaders to postpone county conventions to a later date. Mark Smith, chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, said it was not an easy decision.

However, the party believed it was “the right decision,” Mark Smith said in a March 13 statement.

“By their design, caucuses are gatherings built around a sense of community, and throughout every step, we have worked to ensure the process is safe and accessible for every Iowan,” he said. “However, Iowa Democrats should not have to choose between democratic participation and remaining in good health.”

The Jasper County Democratic Party would have held its convention Saturday morning in Berg Middle School.

Michelle Smith, chairperson of the Jasper County Democratic Party, stressed the convention is not out-right cancelled; the future of which will be determined by “what takes place in our country.” Right now she said the party is brainstorming what to do next and if it needs to innovate the way it conducts gatherings.

“Whether it’s a video conference or a combination of things,” Michelle Smith said. “Obviously there’s business that has to be done. The business just has to be done differently. I see this definitely affecting district (conventions).”

The district convention is scheduled for April 25 at Iowa Central Community College East Campus in Fort Dodge. Likewise, the state convention begins June 13 at a location that has yet to be determined. Michelle Smith said the postponed county conventions will be a challenge to figure out.

Like the Republicans, the local Democrats would have identified its delegates, sorted a platform and allowed incumbents or candidates a few minutes to speak.

If the convention was a-go, Michelle Smith said Rep. Wes Breckenridge likely would have spoke, as well as spokespersons for candidates vying for Sen. Joni Ernst’s seat and the Iowa Second Congressional District seat currently held by Democrat Dave Loebsack, who is stepping down from his long tenure.

The postponment has definitely shaken things up for the party.

“Eventually something will be decided,” Michelle Smith said. “Obviously delegates still have to be decided. So they’re going to have to figure something out. According to Dr. (Anthony) Fauci, this is going to be a long haul — July or August. So it can be interesting what it will impact nationally.”

Right now, Michelle Smith doesn’t know when the county conventions will be rescheduled or how they will be organized.

“Much like the rest of the country it’s a wait-and-see,” she said. “When we can either safely physically meet, it will be done. Or when there comes a time where there is a good alternative to proceed, that’s when we’ll figure something out.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com